Above: staff and students at our recent Postgraduate Open Evening.
In a world of constant change and adjusting to new ‘normals’, it can be challenging to plan ahead. Every year, there are newer advancements and developments in various economic sectors, and despite the COVID economic impacts, many sectors experienced growth in recent years. However, as the pandemic has illustrated, circumstances, markets, and trends can change. The most important thing is to be flexible, adaptable and keep adding new tools to your toolbox. This blog explores some of the fastest-growing industries to consider this year.
1. Renewable Energy and Sustainability
If you are seeking an exciting job in a high-growth area, our College of Science & Engineering boasts a wide range of options for a career in renewable energy and sustainability. Some examples include; Energy Systems Engineering (ME), and Sustainable Environments (MSc). The industry has proven to generate hundreds of billions in economic activity, because of the important contribution that this sector is making towards improving security and diversification of energy supply, environmental protection and social and economic cohesion. As a university community, we have identified sustainability as one of our four core values. See our blog post on all you need to know about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and our aligned courses here.
Our programmes are designed to prepare students to assume leadership roles in the sustainable energy transition and develop skills in identifying and evaluating sustainable solutions for real-world environmental problems.
2. Design and Digital Marketing
The post-pandemic era has the world working and relying more on online interaction, with each other and with business services. This has resulted in an increased need for businesses to reach the customer digitally. The downward pressure on marketing budgets also means that marketers are looking for new, cost-effective techniques via design and digital marketing trends and innovations. Design and digital marketing are critical to the evolving world of technologies, platforms, consumer dynamics, businesses, and brands. If you are looking for a career with variety, excitement, and learning opportunities, design and digital marketing can be the right area for you.
We have a variety of courses that could kick-start or boost your career in this industry, including:
- Digital Art, Design and Cultures (MA),
- Digital Marketing (Msc),
- Marketing Practice (MSc)
- Digital Transformation (PDip),
- Consumer Psychology (MSc, PDip)
3. Hospitality and Tourism
The hospitality and tourism sectors are one of Ireland’s most dynamic and vibrant economic sectors, with a considerable increase over the previous decade, making it a key component of the Irish economy. Additionally, the tourism sector is an essential component of Ireland’s employment base.
Our postgraduate courses available at the University’s Shannon College of Hotel Management are designed to equip graduates with necessary skills to work in both national and global sectors including hospitality, aviation, and multinational companies. A range of our postgraduate courses in this industry, which can be found here, are designed to cater specifically to the ever-growing demands of the Irish Hospitality and Tourism sector and also meet international demands of the same.
4. Mental Health
Behavioural health challenges such as anxiety, stress, and depression have long existed in our society. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated prevalence of such pre-existing mental health challenges but also positively led to more awareness of the importance of mental health.
The increase in the prevalence of mental disorders and the evolution in awareness regarding mental health have driven this sector to grow. Societal acceptance that it is okay and encouraged to seek mental health support means that there is now an increasing demand for mental health services.
As a leading university on promotion of diversity and health and wellness, University of Galway has courses available to supply for the demands of positive mental health and well-being. Our courses include;
- Occupational and Environmental Health & Safety (MSc/HDip, full-time/part-time),
- Psychology—Conversion (HDipA),
- Psychology—Full (HDipA),
- Health Psychology (MSc),
- Clinical Psychology (Doctor of Psychological Science).
5. Human Resources and Recruitment Services
Human Centred Approaches in all aspects of employee wellbeing and management are the order of the day in today’s workplace environment. Human Resources and Recruitment Services play an increasingly important role in businesses today. As an increasingly large portion of the Irish economy has come to depend on service industries, the growth of the human resources (HR) industry has increased proportionally. Meeting these demands has resulted in the field of human resources evolving from its early role, whose primary responsibilities included hiring and training workers, to now being charged with more strategic set of responsibilities of ensuring a thriving work environment for both employees and employers.
The university of Galway offers the professionally accredited Human Resource Management (MSc) as a one-year taught programme that is research-led and practice-driven.
Still not Sure?
We have over 200 postgraduate courses in various career fields to suit your goals and passion. Find here a list of all our postgraduate taught and research courses.
Your Postgraduate Studies at University of Galway 